Secession petitions gather support in NC, across country

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The United States are not so united tonight as rumors that history may repeat itself circulate. Petitions on the White House’s website suggest that citizens across the country are not happy with the way things in washington are going and want a major change.

Petitions to secede from the United States started popping up shortly after the election last week. Citizens from more than 20 states, including North Carolina, have filed petitions to secede from the union.

With more than 20,000 signatures in less than a week, the Tar Heel State’s petition is quickly approaching the 25,000 signatures required to get a response from the Obama Administration.

UNCW sociology professor Dr. Mike Adams says the movement may be a glimpse of what is to come.

“I don’t think that this particular petition drive is going to result in anything,” Adams said. “When people ask if I take this petition seriously, no I don’t. It’s a foretelling, though, of things that might be taking place later on.”

Adams says when the south seceded from the union more than 150 years ago, it took a while for traction to build.

Other people say the petitions are a joke and merely the response of sore losers.

“It’s funny because of the current situation and states wanting to secede from the union? Really? Why? Nobody has a good enough reason why,” Nicholas Oates of Wilmington said.

Others say the requests signify a larger problem in Washington.

“I think really the only thing that needs to be taken seriously is just the fact that there is some disenchantment with the process, and that everyone in Washington needs to learn how to work together,” Mark Kennedy of Wilmington said.

The Texas secession petition has nearly 80,000 signatures. The White House has not yet responded to the petition.